Scrub Creek School

Historical marker location:
FM 358, Groveton, Texas
( 11.5 miles east of Groveton on SH 94, then 1.9 miles west on FM 358)
Marker installed: 1991
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Settlement of this area of Trinity County began after the Civil War. The farming communities of Scrub Creek and Crecy grew gradually, and as people moved into the area they established homes and community gathering places. The Scrub Creek Baptist Church was in operation as early as 1870. It was followed by the Scrub Creek School and Crecy post office, located in Chapman's General Store. The earliest documented record of the Scrub Creek School dates to 1877. It began as a one-room structure with one teacher in instruct students in all grades. As the local population increased, the school grew and was housed in a three-room facility with several teachers. The school became an integral part of community life in Scrub Creek and Crecy. Numerous events and activities occurred at the schoolhouse, which served as the center of social activity as well as education. The school was closed in 1935 when it was consolidated with other rural schools in the county to form the Centerville School District. The schoolhouse burned and the property reverted to the descendants of J.L. Mangnum, who had sold the land for school purposes in 1907. (1991)

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

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The first oil well in the United States was drilled in Texas in 1859. The discovery of oil transformed the economy of the state and helped to make Texas one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
Trinity County, Texas, was established on August 11, 1850, and named after the Trinity River that flows through the region. The native Karankawa, Caddo, and Atakapa tribes inhabited the area for thousands of years before European settlers arrived. In the early 19th century, Stephen F. Austin's colonists began to settle in the Trinity River Valley, establishing communities such as Trinity, Pennington, and Groveton, which served as trading posts for fur trappers and pioneers.

During the Civil War, Trinity County, like other parts of Texas, was predominantly pro-Confederate. The county contributed soldiers to the Confederate Army and faced several Union invasions. After the war, Trinity County faced economic challenges due to the loss of slavery and the devastation of crops and infrastructure. However, the discovery of lumber and the expansion of railroads in the late 19th century revitalized the local economy.

The timber industry became a major economic force in Trinity County during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Several sawmills were built, attracting workers and leading to the emergence of towns like Apple Springs and Pennington. Logging became a vital industry, with timber being transported via the railroads to markets across Texas and beyond. However, unsustainable logging practices eventually led to a decline in the industry, and today, forestry remains an important aspect of the county's economy.

In recent years, Trinity County has embraced its natural resources, including its pristine rivers, lakes, and forests, to develop tourism and recreational opportunities. Outdoor activities like fishing, hunting, boating, and hiking attract visitors from across the state. The county's rich history, marked by its Native American heritage, the Civil War era, and the lumber industry, is preserved in museums and historic sites, providing a glimpse into Trinity County's past.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Trinity County, Texas.

  • Founded in 1846 as part of Houston County
  • 1848 - Trinity County was officially established as a separate county
  • 1850 - Population of Trinity County was 1,027
  • 1853 - The county seat was established in Sumpter
  • 1873 - The county seat was moved to Pennington
  • 1890 - The county seat was moved to Groveton
  • 1890s - Timber industry became a major economic driver
  • 1930s - Depression era brought economic challenges to the county
  • 1944 - Construction of the Trinity River Authority Dam began
  • 1952 - Trinity Dam was completed, forming Lake Livingston
  • Present - Trinity County continues to be known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and timber industry